Understanding the Current Hantavirus Risk

Reports of Hantavirus associated with a cruise ship have understandably prompted concern and sparked interest, particularly in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, current public health advice and updates from leading national and international health organisations remains reassuring, with no evidence to suggest a wider risk to the public health.

Emily Barton, Divisional Manager of Environmental Health at Shield Safety, brings a credible public health perspective to this issue, having previously worked as Head of Public Health at Carnival Maritime, with a decade of experience in the cruise industry and further experience from having completed her Master’s in Public Health with a specialism in Infectious Disease Control.

Emily has summarised the key questions and considerations below, outlining what businesses need to know about hantavirus.

What is Hantavirus?

Hantaviruses are a group of viruses carried by rodent, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), people are usually infected through contact with infected rodents, or their urine, droppings or saliva. Infection can cause serious illness, but cases remain relatively uncommon globally. Human-to-human transmission has only been documented for Andes virus in the Americas and remains uncommon, usually associated with close and prolonged contact.

Does it spread between people?

According to the WHO and public health experts, person-to-person transmission of the hantavirus is rare and occurs as a result of close, prolonged contact, such as close proximity within the same household or intimate contact. It’s important to note that it does not spread like other airborne viruses, such as COVID-19, through casual social contact.

What is the current risk?

The WHO and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have confirmed the overall public health risk is low, particularly within the UK. Whilst ongoing testing, contract tracing and case identification continues, at present, this is a small, contained cluster with indication of a developing epidemic or pandemic, and not comparable to the trajectory of COVID-19.

Why follow official guidance and What Should Businesses Do?

Infectious disease incidents can quickly become distorted when information is incomplete, taken out of context, or amplified online. Misinformation can spread rapidly through digital channels, which is why businesses should rely on credible, evidence-based sources rather than speculation or unverified commentary.

The risk to the UK remains very low and does not require any operational changes at this stage. Following guidance from leading health organisations such as the UKHSA and WHO helps businesses respond in a way that is calm, proportionate and aligned with public health evidence.